The leeward side of the Kohala volcano is one of the best places on the Big Island to see whales from the shore. 83 reviews of Pololu Valley Lookout "PLEASE READ! If youre into photography, one consideration would be that views from Waipio are generally west facing, whereas at Pololu, they generally face east. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-112324513', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Kohala mountain road- it's a beautiful windswept and sometimes rainswept drive but it's worth it. Hilo to Waipio Valley is about a 1 hour drive, maybe just a little bit more. We don't mind hikes and would like to swim at the beach. This series consists of the following valleys: Water has eroded 7 deep valleys into the windward side of the Kohala Volcano of the Big Island. Please stay on the public road when hiking in Waipio valley. Waipio (or Waipio) Valley is named after the meandering Wailoa Stream that runs through the valley (wai-pio means curved water in the Hawaiian language) and is about one mile wide and six miles deep. Not to say Waipio isn't great because it is, but there's something truly special about Pololu and feels more secluded with no cars down there Alarmed-Marketing616 2 yr. ago Loved it.very tranquil when I was there this morningthank you for the advice! Good idea to get the car at the King Kam hotel to eliminate the extra time needed for shuttles. Interested? In Pololu Valley, a lush tropical forest surrounds 500-foot-high cliffs and fronts, an ocean that often has high surf and rough waves. Because the valley is at the end of the road you will pass a few cool places and things to do that make it easy to make visiting Pololu valley part of a half or whole day road trip. 4. Its a 90 minute adventure if you hang out for a while in the valley. Id do a North Kohala excursion, which is far more convenient to where youre staying. Enjoy this 0.9-mile out-and-back trail near Kapaau, Hawaii. This magnificent wild valley is at the head of the Kohala Coast, the oldest part of the island with deep valleys and picturesque beaches. I will check out those historical markers that you mentioned. We will be in Kona one day on a cruise, renting a car, and want to do some hiking and swimming. We share our favorite tips and images on Instagram, click here to go to our instagram account. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-93723305', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Kohala Mountains, then hike down to Pololu Valley along the beach, then back up for dinner in Hawi, and maybe depending on time of year back around to one of the South Kohala area beaches for sundown. Locals will take those spots fast first thing in the morning, then leave later. Report inappropriate content jgil Columbia, Missouri Level Contributor 93 posts 28 reviews 38 helpful votes 2. Aerial overview of Waipio Valley. I would choose Pololu - there are some nice beaches to stop at on the S. Kohala coast (although you could incorporate those into a Waipio drive as well) - but the drive up #270 and down #250 provides a lot of amazing scenery, which for me would be the deciding factor in favour of Pololu. The trail down to the valley floor offers great views into Pololu Valley. The black sand beach at the valley floor looks like a beach at the end of the world. The reason Im giving this such a low rating is because you literally can not do anything but walk up and down the hill. Waipio is longer and harder but on a road. Some nice stores with local art work there as well. I would choose Pololu - there are some nice beaches to stop at on the S. Kohala coast (although you could incorporate those into a Waipio drive as well) - but the drive up #270 and down #250 provides a lot of amazing scenery, which for me would be the deciding factor in favour of Pololu. Pololu Valley Lookout. This spot is lesser known than the Waipio Valley, but is certainly worth the effort to get to. As a paradise for active travelers it is rich in experiences that include nature, culinary discoveries, historic landmarks, shopping, nightlife and festivals. Subscribe to receive 5 emails in 5 days: Call us for advice! Really good bodysurfing here. Definitely Pololu, and definitely hike down to the beach, its beautiful from above but awesome when your down at sea level. Couldn't cook in the restaurant kitchens, so they set up BBQs outside and they cooked/baked/roasted whatever they could. Pololu has more rocks on the shoreline and not a place I would swim. Waipio Valley Directions and Map Taking Highways 19 and 240 will get you there. Waipio Valley Sunrise. Respecting Hawaiian place names. Also, I keep hearing about the traffic in Kona, how bad is it. The town of Hawi (on the way to Pololu) is good for a lunch or ice cream stop. Emerald, foliage-filled cliffs, cradling Pololu's valley floor and its winding, freshwater stream. There's a black sand beach there, as well, and there are steep sea cliffs just like Waipi'o. 8-6 is a good length of time you would be able to get back to Kailua Kona with a comfortable amount of time to spare, and if you have an extra hour there, you can wander around the area near the port. I'll stop in Hawi for Tropical Dreams ice creamyummy:), Probably still worth trying to get one of the spots at Mauna Kea - people come and go all day, so a spot just might be available, or if you get there early enough, it might not be filled yet gorgeous beach, and Hapuna is now charging $5. Waipi'o Valley Road is a county road that used to be treated mostly just like any other road, despite being the steepest road in the USA. Best boogie boarding, body surfing beaches. There are very, very few public access parking spots at Mauna Kea. Behind the beach you can find large dunes and ironwood trees that protect the valley from floodwaters. Make every step intentional. At the top you can look down on Pololu valley and a beautiful black sand beach ( Pololu Valley Beach ). Photo-centric trip reports of the Big Island? I've stayed at both hotels, both good beaches. lovebigisland.com, gohawaii.com, bigislandguide.com, and so on). Waiulili Falls That was when we realized just how tall this waterfall really was. The hike at Pololu down to the beach is shorter than the one at Waipio, but it's on a hiking trail, vs. Waipio where you'll be hiking on a poorly maintained, very steep road shared with vehicles. Overview of Waipio Valley from the opposite side. Privacy Policy. Coming from Waimea, head east on Hwy 19 until you reach Honokaa and follow the signs for Highway 240. As others said its sacred grounds so everything is closed down. You can find a more concise description of this hike at the bigislandhikes website. Beautiful view at the end and cool rocky beach! Thanks all the advice. We just went to the Wai'pio valley lookout but did not do any of the tours because we didn't book anything in advance and the next tour was 2 hours away. As it became a more popular destination (thanks Instagram), crowding increased, some rockfalls and . 1. If you are going to Pololu Valley during whale season (between ~December and March) and want to include a whale-watching picnic to your visit you should start by checking out our DIY whale watching tips. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-93728737', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Kohala loop very much, but it would need its own half day to do it right. Susan - I thought Rte 19 was the way to go to Pololu. The Hapuna Prince handled it well - safety was absolutely their first thing. Polol translates to " long spear" in Hawaiian and is named for the many battles that took place in the region. The beach is split in two by the river coming out of the valley, and depending on the amount of water it can be difficult to cross. The closest restrooms are at the Keokea Beach Park (10 minutes from the overlook) and just behind the King Kameha Statue which you will pass in Kapaau en-route to the overlook from Hawi. Going to either would be a great way to spend a day! Pololu is not on the way to/from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? A geotechnical assessment outlining the rockfall and landslide risks associated with traveling along Waipio Valley Road has led the County of Hawaiis to close Waipio Valley Road to visitors. For more information, please see our Sometimes you will encounter horses on the road. We just didn't want to kill that much time and we never made it back. Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail: Hapuna Beach to Mauna Kea Beach, Puukohol Heiau National Historical Site Trail, Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail: Mauna Kea Beach to Hapuna Beach, Kalahuipua'a Historic Park and Fishponds Loop, Muliwai and Waimanu Valley Trail [CLOSED]. Hikers are respectful by nature, that argument is not good enough to appropriate the whole area. Keokea Beach Park is a short drive off the highway, past the towns of Hawi and Kapaau (both towns worth a stop to window shop or grab a snack). Sustainable Travel guide and itineraries for the Big Island of Hawaii. north to south or vice versa. Worth it to get to the black sand beach at the bottom though. Sign up for our free monthly updates (more info) about everything that is new and happening in Hawaii. Pololu valley is at the northern tip and part of the oldest (of 5) volcanoes that make up the Big Island of Hawaii. Wai'pio Valley vs. Pololu Valley - Island of Hawaii Message Board - Tripadvisor Answer 1 of 2: We are traveling to the BI next week - very excited! I think Pololu Valley has more to offer on your way to / from it, than Waipio. Limited parking at the top but it doesnt seem like many people go there. Absolutely stunning scenery, gorgeous the whole way down. Thanks for all of your help! Also consider visiting lovely Waialea Bay (small admission charge for Hapuna State Park). From Pololu valley on these valleys stretch towards the south-east in an impressive display that you can partly see from the Pololu lookout point. Please treatt hem with aloha and follow their directions. From Hilo, take 19 going west until Honokaa and take Highway 240, looking for signs for Waipi'o Valley. Or, you can eat at restaurants at the hotels. With only four days, you could skip both of them, especially as the swimming is so dangerous. Be aware though that the ocean currents can be strong so do not go into the water too deep. Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos. Polulu Valley, where North Kohala's main artery, Hwy-270, comes to a dead end, is the last of the chain of inaccessible valleys, and for the moment is every bit as pristine as Waipio. Really good bodysurfing here. Oahu is the lively center and most visited of all Hawaiian Islands. I think if I only could only visit one, I would do Pololu Valley. Honoke'a. Walk west along the beach as far as you can, take care when crossing the stream as the water is as strong as it is cold, and reach the end of the beach underneath the cliff for an unforgettable view. Hawaii with Kids? This landslide is responsible for the now famous sea cliffs on the windward Kohala shoreline but also triggered a giant tsunami that left marine deposits multiple 100 ft high on the other islands (read more). As you drive north on Highway 270 where the black lava landscapes of the Kohala Coast give way to the flourishing, green pastures of North Kohala, you'll be rewarded at the end of your journey with an unforgettable view from the Polol Valley Overlook. The parking is just along the road because the parking lot is 10 minute parking only. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. On the way to Pololu, you can visit Lapakahi State Historical Park and the Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site. by kenji SAITO on June 21, 2021. There are very, very few public access parking spots at Mauna Kea. Afternoon trip was good, with shade on the way back up. I do not think either is advised as a good swimming place. Wear good shoes for the descent/ascent part. Pololu is a relatively easy walk down and up for the healthy, albeit with some challenging footing. There is a somewhat steep dirt trail that leads to the valley and the beach (black sand, not good for swimming). Pololu Valley has lots of trees and beautiful vegetation growing along the trail. At the King Kam, you shouldn't have too much trouble heading north on #19 - same with coming back. Keokea beach park is a quiet beach park with a shower and picnic tables close to Hawi and Pololu Valley. People do it, but it's not as fun that way. (driving directions using google maps). Cant climb the far side anymore but it is worth sitting on the rocky beach for a while. As we do for most places on the Big Island we recommend to visit Pololu Valley early in the day. was not the summit of mount Everest as shown in this (alternative?) 10/10 would do again. We share our favorite tips and images on Instagram, click here to go to our instagram account. Some of my teen/young adult sons did mess around in the water at Pololu, but it isn't advisable. Maybe I'm incorrect in my assumptions. The trail gets slick when it has rained, but is not terribly difficult. 4 days on (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? If you want a different perspective on your way back, instead of going back along the coast, go up over (ta && ta.queueForLoad ?
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